BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Read the engine manual packed with your mower.
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.
•Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean.
•Remove engine oil filler plug (oil fill cap/ dipstick on models so equipped).
•Slowly add oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.
•Fill to the top of slot in filler hole (to “FULL” line on dipstick on models so equipped). Do not overfill.
•Replace plug (oil fill cap/dipstick on models so equipped) and tighten.
•Check oil level before each use. Add oil as needed.
•To change oil, see Maintenance section of this manual.
FILL GASOLINE TANK
•Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, un- leaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PRE-
MIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERFILL TANK.
WARNING: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
CAUTION: The mower blade rotates whenever the engine is running.
•Move engine speed control to FAST position (or to CHOKE/START position on models equipped with choke feature).
•If your mower has a primer, to start a cold engine, push primer as many times as instructed in the engine manual packed with your mower. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.
•Hold operator presence control bar down against handle.
MODELS WITH RECOIL STARTER
•Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
MODELS WITH ELECTRIC STARTER
•Push the engine start button (or turn the key on models so equipped).
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.
ALL MODELS
•For engines equipped with choke, slowly move engine speed control lever to FAST after engine starts.
TO STOP ENGINE
•To STOP engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.
NOTE: For engines with a primer, it may be necessary to repeat priming steps
in cooler weather. In warmer weather, overpriming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and DO NOT repeat priming steps.
Open mulcher door
Discharge deflector
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR
FOR MULCHING -
•Rear mulcher plate installed and rear door closed.
•Mulcher door closed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear mulcher plate or plug in place or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
GRASS CATCHER
(REAR BAGGING MODELS ONLY)
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
•Simply open rear door and lift grass catcher up and away from mower.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying. It will cause unnecessary wear. 
CAUTION: Under normal usage, the catcher material is subject to deterioration and wear and should, therefore, be checked frequently for replacement. Any replacement catcher should be checked to ensure compliance with original manufacturer's specifications.
CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower without the rear door, approved grass catcher or clipping deflector in place.
Never attempt to operate mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
Your lawn mower is equipped with an op- erator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle in order to start and operate the lawn mower.
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
Operator presence control bar
Recoil starter handle
FOR REAR BAGGING -
•Rear mulcher plate removed.
•Grass catcher installed.
•Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
•Rear mulcher plate installed and rear door closed.
•Discharge deflector installed.
any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.
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